Executive Zahilay, Mayor Wilson thank Councils for confirming Dr. Sandra Valenciano as Public Health Director
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson celebrated the appointment this week of Dr. Sandra Valenciano as the new Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. The current acting director, Dr. Valenciano was confirmed by both the Metropolitan King County Council and the Seattle City Council on Tuesday, June 9. “Community health and wellbeing are central to everything we do at King County, and Dr. Valenciano has the experience, expertise, and commitment to lead this critical department into the future,” said Executive Zahilay. “She is a well-known… Read More
DCHS shares new data showing strong housing stability and improved health outcomes for residents
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) today announced the release of updated data to the Health Through Housing (HTH) Annual Reporting Dashboard. For the fourth consecutive year since the dashboard’s launch, data shows strong outcomes for Health Through Housing residents, providing further evidence that permanent supportive housing delivers positive outcomes for people exiting chronic homelessness. The updated dashboard highlights significant improvements in housing stability, health outcomes, and criminal legal system involvement among residents living in Health Through Housing sites across King County. Read more.
Sharing my first 2026 State of the County address with all of you
On Wednesday, June 10, I delivered my first State of the County address in front of a crowd of over 500 attendees including King County Council, King County department leaders and employees, local elected officials and residents at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center. My goal with this first address was to talk about some of what this administration has been working on, my goals for the future and my commitment to the work ahead with each of you. We are living through a period of tremendous change in King County where… Read More
King County Executive and Council honor Juneteenth
Executive Zahilay and the King County Council jointly proclaim Friday, June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in King County. Together, they share how “Juneteenth is an important opportunity to reflect on the progress, achievements, and contributions African Americans have made and continue to make, and an occasion to look forward to the work that remains to reach full economic and social equity for the descendants of enslaved African Americans.” June 19, 2026 also marks the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth, which continues to be a profound symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey… Read More
Management team donates time to Food Lifeline
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Employee Newsletter Ten people from Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s (DAJD) Senior Management Team spent a recent Friday volunteering at Food Lifeline in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood. During a two-hour morning session on May 29, the team boxed 10,000 pounds of cabbage, then returned for an afternoon shift to bag 2,000 pounds of dried black beans. The team performed this day of service as part of DAJD’s commitment to Employee Giving. Senior management hopes the volunteer work will encourage other employees and workgroups to donate… Read More
Take care working outdoors during hot weather
With warm temperatures heading our way, employees and supervisors are reminded to take care of themselves and one another as temperatures rise. There will be a gradual warming trend through Friday, with temperatures expected to warm further on Saturday, and peak Sunday and Monday. Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors, and in extreme heat, Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever… Read More
Seattle’s first FIFA World Cup match kicks off on Monday, June 15
The first of six FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 matches at Lumen Field in Seattle (referred to as Seattle Stadium for the FIFA World Cup) between Belgium and Egypt kicks off at noon, Monday, June 15. On game days, street closures will go into effect four hours before kickoff and stay in place until approximately two hours after the end of the match. There will be significant security and crowd-control measures in place around the stadium, with no on-site parking at the stadium. Both King Street Center (KSC) and the Graybar Building are located within the secure… Read More
City of Seattle, SeattleFWC26 and King County Metro partner to provide local youth access to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches
Crossposted from Metro Matters Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson, in partnership with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) and the generosity of Seattle sports teams, businesses, and community leaders, announced a landmark initiative that will send over 1,400 youth and their caregivers from across our region to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in Seattle. Each participating youth will receive a match ticket, a stadium food voucher and a Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ scarf, creating a complete and memorable matchday experience. Select nonprofit groups will also receive dedicated shuttle service to and from matches in partnership with King County Metro. “King County is proud to… Read More
Superior Court clerk fee schedule revisions for 2026
The Clerk’s Office has updated the fee schedule for 2026 based on the fee changes approved by the legislature in HB 2543. Below is a summary of the changes and a link to the updated fee schedule. These changes are effective on June 11. Changes to existing fees: Providing a copy without a seal will be $0.50 per page, regardless of the format (paper or electronic). Preparation of a copy of the audio or video recording from a court proceeding will change to $25 per court day. For materials sent via US mail,… Read More
Juneteenth an observed County holiday on June 19
King County government will observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday and most King County offices be closed on Friday, June 19. Due to the nature of county work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. June 19 is also a FIFA World Cup match day. View road closure schedules and traffic information for around downtown Seattle and Pioneer Square here.
